Due to its unique geographical location, economic importance, and historical significance, Panama has become a blend of many cultures and ethnicities. The Panama Railroad and later the Panama Canal attracted workers from China, the West Indies, and Africa. Commercial opportunities attracted merchants from Europe, India, and the Middle East. The involvement of France and the United States in the building of the Panama Canal also influenced immigration from these countries. Panama is also home to a diverse group of indigineous people.

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Due to its unique geographical location, economic importance, and historical significance, Panama has become a blend of many cultures and ethnicities. The Panama Railroad and later the Panama Canal attracted workers from China, the West Indies, and Africa. Commercial opportunities attracted merchants from Europe, India, and the Middle East. The involvement of France and the United States in the building of the Panama Canal also influenced immigration from these countries. Panama is also home to a diverse group of indigineous people.

=== Indigenous Groups of Panama ===

=== Indigenous Groups of Panama ===

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Juan Tam wrote a book, "150 Years of Chinese Presence in Panama" which narrates the history of Chinese migration to Panama and contains a large amount of genealogical data.

Juan Tam wrote a book, "150 Years of Chinese Presence in Panama" which narrates the history of Chinese migration to Panama and contains a large amount of genealogical data.

Revision as of 19:34, 27 November 2013

Due to its unique geographical location, economic importance, and historical significance, Panama has become a blend of many cultures and ethnicities. The Panama Railroad and later the Panama Canal attracted workers from China, the West Indies, and Africa. Commercial opportunities attracted merchants from Europe, India, and the Middle East. The involvement of France and the United States in the building of the Panama Canal also influenced immigration from these countries. Panama is also home to a diverse group of indigineous people.

Western part of the province of Bocas del Toro,primarily along the banks of the Teribe river

Bokotá

Small communities spread between the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Veraguas.

Bri Bri

On the border with Costa Rica, near the Río Yorkín y Sixaola tributary in the province of Bocas del Toro

The Embera-Wounaan people are also known as Choco and the Ngobe-Bugle people are also known as Guaymi. The Teribe and Bri Bri populations are small and they do not live in a 'Comarca."

Extinct Indigenous Groups

Some indigenous groups are extinct, such as the Doraz or Dorasque people, who mainly inhabited the town of Dolega in the province of Chiriqui. The Dorasque eventually intermarried with the local population and ceased to exist as a distinct group. However, they left behind a written language.

Jewish People of Panama

Chinese People of Panama

The Chinese influence in Panama dates back to more than 150 years ago. On April 1, 1854, the first wave of over 700 Chinese laborers arrived in Panama aboard the Sea Witch to work in the construction of the Panama Railroad company. A handful of Chinese immigrants had made their way to the Panama shores earlier and had established businesses and bought farms in the interior of the country. Chinese laborers would later be imported to work in the construction of the Panama Canal.